Dehydrated Orange Sun Wheels – A Tutorial

One of Northern Rivers Protogrove’s group offering at our recent Winter Solstice event were dehydrated orange sun wheel ornaments.  I made them ahead of time and carried the basket around the circle for everyone to put their gratitude into.  We then hung them from trees and bushes outside the Yoga Center and our homes.  They are very easy to make and are sure to be a Solstice tradition that even little ones can enjoy.  Perhaps next year I’ll have guests string them on their own prior to the rite.  Choosing your own colored string could add even more to it!

Materials:

• one or more oranges
• a knife
• an embroidery needle – metal or plastic will do
• yarn or twine made of natural fibers (cotton, wool, hemp)
• scissors
• a dehydrator (optional)

Slice the orange into circles.  Oranges are very, very moist so, the thicker the circle, the longer it will take to dry.  I use an electric dehydrator which is very easy and safe.  I lay the slices on the trays and leave it on overnight. Depending on how thick the slices are, they may require longer.  If you don’t have a dehydrator you could use your oven.  Place them on a baking sheet and cook them at 200 degrees for a couple hours or until they are dry.  Check your oven frequently to make sure they aren’t burning.

Once your slices are dry, you will thread an embroidery needle with yarn or twine.  I choose natural fibers because, once the oranges have been eaten by animals, the fiber will make great nesting material.  If you have a blunt embroidery needle, older children may enjoy helping you  insert the yearn into each orange slice.  Cut the yarn to the desired length, knot, and voila!  A sun wheel ornament!